Delmas returns to practice field

ALLEN PARK — Louis Delmas could make a huge difference in the Detroit Lions secondary.

The Detroit Lions free safety took his first step to make his 2012 season debut on Wednesday when he returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since his Aug. 7 knee surgery.

“It’s big, he’s a dynamic player and he brings an energy and an attitude, it gives us a little bit of confidence,’’ Lions defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch said.

Delmas was on the field only for individual drills, but coach Jim Schwartz said he did those at a high level.

It’s too early to know if he will be ready for the next game on Oct. 14 at Philadelphia.

“The key for him is not how he did today cause he did well, but it’s going to be how he does tomorrow, how the knee responds, if it swells up, if it’s stiff, those things,’’ Schwartz said.

“Because he had a pretty good work day it’s not a full work day, but he did some good things. It’s really going to be not what he did today but how he responds to what he did today,’’ Schwartz added.

Delmas had not talked to the media since surgery and would not answer questions Wednesday, but he did speak briefly.

“I practiced today, yes I did, for the first time since my second day of camp,’’ Delmas said. “It felt great. Playing time is questionable, going to leave it up my trainers and my coaches. That’s pretty much it.’’

Delmas brings energy to any room he enters. Often you hear him before you see him. Perhaps the Lions defense has been missing his spark and fire.

“It would mean a lot he’s a veteran, he’s been on this team going on four years now,’’ linebacker Stephen Tulloch said. “His presence is definitely felt. If we can get him back after this bye week that would be good. If he needs a little more time that’s fine as well. The sooner the better.

“He’s just a good presence, you know he’s going to be around the ball every play and give his all, that’s what you expect out of Delmas, nothing less,’’ said Tulloch who works out with Delmas in the offseason. “He was good for us last year, I know he’s going to be even better this year once he’s healthy. To get him back would be good.’’

Defensive end Cliff Avril agrees.

“He’s a leader in his own way, he’s a guy who gets everybody going, it’s hard to get everybody going if you’re not out there,’’ Avril said. “I know that’s how he feels. Having him out there to liven up practice is going to be great.’’